the age of the Myki is upon us

I was on a tram this morning when a team of nervous looking ticket inspectors boarded, handheld scanners at the ready. The age of Myki has begun.

Whilst the technology used in the Myki system is clearly cutting edge (as it should be for the cost of $1.5 billion), it reminds me of the 80s and early 90s, when I relied heavily on public transport. Back then, if you didn't plan ahead for your trip you could find yourself inadvertantly travelling without a ticket, or missing the train or tram whilst trying to buy a ticket.

an adventure on the number 8 tram

Firstly I'd like to apologise to the people around me on the number 8 tram early this morning. When a guy elbowed me out of the way and I took exception, I didn't realise he was drunk and mentally ill. He saw my objection as a challenge. When he had a go at me and I didn't back down, he became irate. A circle appeared and expanded around us as he swore and ranted and threatened whilst I calmly told him to stop swearing and that I accepted his (unoffered) apology for elbowing me.